Global Ocean Race (GOR) have announced that a partnership was formed between the Mediterranean Shipping Company USA (MSC), during the brief stopover in Charleston, South Carolina, before the final fifth leg, and the GOR proposed and it was agreed by MSC USA Inc. President, Claudio Bozzo, and Vice President, Sergio Fedelini.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC operates 455 container vessels worldwide and ranks as the world’s second largest shipping container carrier serving six continents through 335 different ports with the company’s fleet working in every ocean on the planet. The connection with the GOR and the complex shipping requirements required by a round-the-world race is of immense importance and as MSC is one of the few carriers able to offer worldwide coverage with a network of agents around the globe, the partnership is of immense value to the GOR Race Organisation.

President of MSC USA Inc. Mr. Claudio Bozzo is delighted with the partnership: 'We are a company of the sea so we have followed the GOR and admire its values and its sailors, so it seemed natural that we would offer some support to the organisers,' says Mr. Bozzo. 'We wish all the teams a fast and safe passage to their finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne, France.'

Vice President of MSC USA Inc., Sergio Fedelini, was deeply involved with the Race Organisation and the GOR teams in South Carolina: 'We have really enjoyed the stopover of the GOR in Charleston which is a major port for MSC USA,' says Fedelini. 'The spirit of the event is fantastic and we are delighted to be able to help the organisers with our logistical support.'

Josh Hall, Race Director of the GOR, has long experience of MSC: 'We are delighted to welcome MSC USA onboard as a Race Partner for the GOR,' says Hall. 'MSC were one of my valued sponsors for my own first round the world race and it is great to see that the spirit of assistance and professionalism towards nautical projects remains at the highest level with this now vast shipping line.'